This topic is about someone who is 2.5 weeks into their recovery after an ileostomy reversal surgery. This procedure involved reconnecting the small bowel to a shortened rectum, with no large intestine remaining. Here’s a look at their progress and some ongoing challenges, along with advice and insights shared by others who have been through similar experiences:

- Wound Care: The abdominal incisions are healing well, and the former stoma site is completely scabbed over. The person changes a 3 × 5 inch Medipore bandage every other day and applies colloidal silver, as approved by their doctor. They expect to be bandage-free in about two weeks.

- Bowel Frequency: They are experiencing 13 to 16 bowel movements per day, including several trips to the bathroom at night. Their surgeon has added Imodium to their existing medications, which include Lomotil, codeine, and Metamucil capsules. A stronger narcotic is available if there’s no improvement.

- Diet: They are sticking to soft foods like toast, muffins, oatmeal, yogurt, soup, seafood, chicken, pasta, wild rice, and carrots. They have started to reintroduce small amounts of strawberries, bananas, and blueberries, but are avoiding red meat for now. They plan to add 1 to 2 new foods each week after another month.

- Exercise: They are managing a 40-minute brisk walk on the treadmill daily, with a moderate incline.

- Challenges: They are dealing with persistent water retention after the hospital stay and have been prescribed Lasix, which they use sparingly to avoid extra urination. They are also experiencing severe butt-burn due to high output.

- Progress: They are able to dine out and shop, though bathroom breaks are necessary. There have been no leaks or night accidents, and they no longer need to sleep on a pad. They can sense the urge to go in time. Their next surgical review is in two weeks.

Additional Questions & Information:
- They continue to have 16 to 18 bowel movements per day and are seeking ways to reduce this frequency and soothe the butt-burn.
- They have tried a Coloplast antifungal cream for butt-burn, which offers limited relief.
- There is a small crater where the stoma was, but it has not needed packing, just a bandage and colloidal silver.

Advice & Insights:
- Output Control: Many suggest using Gastro-Stop (an over-the-counter loperamide) or codeine to slow bowel transit, which can be used alongside Imodium or Lomotil, but it’s important to consult with a surgeon first.

- Peristomal & Abdominal Wound Care: Silver nitrate sticks, applied in a clinic, can help dry a seeping stoma site and speed up scabbing. Colloidal silver, as the person is already using, is also recommended by others.

- Butt-Burn Relief: Zinc-oxide diaper-rash ointments provide fast and affordable protection. Coloplast barrier creams with an antifungal are suggested if regular creams don’t work. Alcohol-free wet wipes and frequent gentle cleansing can help reduce stinging between bowel movements.

- Reducing Hernia Risk / Exercise: Light walking is usually cleared by surgeons early on, but heavy lifting or abdominal workouts should be delayed until the final follow-up. Patience is emphasized by others.

- General Recovery Tips: Keep track of diet reintroductions and note how different foods affect stool. Foods like fresh bread can cause gas. Taking photos of the abdominal area can help monitor healing progress. Staying with relatives during the first weeks post-op can help those recovering alone manage fatigue and wound care.

- Emotional Support: Scars and craters are common, and many share humor about their "road maps," emphasizing that survival and regained function are more important than appearance.